Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the “days of those who indulge in Naxalite violence are now over,” marking India’s historic achievement of a Naxal-free nation ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline.
Naxal-Free India Milestone
Naxal-affected districts reduced from 120 to zero, with Bastar—the former epicenter—now focused on development. Violence incidents dropped from thousands annually pre-2014 to near elimination through sustained operations.
Strategic Success Factors
Shah highlighted security force dominance, infrastructure expansion into remote areas, and rehabilitation for surrendering cadres. Over 20,000 lives lost historically; recent efforts neutralized top leadership while thousands laid down arms.
Political Contrast
The Home Minister criticized Congress governments for enabling Naxal growth through inaction, crediting the current administration’s zero-tolerance policy and welfare integration for mainstreaming affected populations.
